From left, Pedro Cueto, Jakob Calvini, Ryan Morningstar and Dom Brescia are four of Rye Neck's defensive standouts. The Panthers have posted five shutouts this season after getting six in 2012.

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Ten years ago or more, Pleasantville would've looked just like everyone else. A ball-control offense and defense-first mentality were once as common as lumpy grass fields painted with crooked chalk lines. But as offenses expand and scores follow, the Panthers' mud-stained style of football will soon be in the minority - if it isn't already.

"We love the style that we play here. We feel like it's unique - at least nowadays it's unique," Pleasantville senior Enrico Ruotolo said. "Back in the day it wasn't, but with the way football and high school sports are changing, we like to keep what we have ...